CM said 23,000 villages have been surveyed and the remaining are being covered on a war footing to send a detailed report to Centre for a drought relief package under NDRF
Chief minister Devendra Fadnavis has said that over 23,000 villages have been surveyed and the remaining are being covered on a war footing as well to send a detailed report to Centre for a drought relief package under the National Disaster Relief Fund (NDRF). Following its report, the relief package is expected to be announced. Ajit Navale, another such activist, said, “Govt announced the drought only to avoid the wrath of farmers, but following this declaration, failed to work out any concrete plan. It should have announced various measures to tackle the drought and provide relief to farmers.
Govt has declared it is confident that it will provide relief to the affected farmers before Diwali in the first week of Nov. Centre’s team is expected to arrive in Maharashtra within a couple of days to review the drought situation. Farmers’ activists have also threatened to organise a statewide protest if concrete measures are not taken urgently. By the time Centre releases the relief package, state govt can at least announce a complete loan waiver, which will give some relief to the farmers’ community. ”
However, state govt is not being proactive in providing help to farmers, according to opposition party members. State Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal said, “If govt waits till Diwali to release compensation, it will be too late for many farmers, who are struggling to cope with drought conditions. Govt has not even made it clear how much compensation will be provided to affected farmers. Instead of leaving farmers struggling, govt should release some compensation at the earliest.”
Farmers’ activist Jayaji Suryavanshi from drought-struck Marathwada region said, “Farmers have already lost their kharif produce and many do not have savings left to survive this difficult phase. However, activists and opposition politicians have cautioned that the condition of farmers is already worsening, and they need a helping hand from govt at the earliest. Before they think of taking some drastic step, govt should provide them with some aid at least, even if it is temporary. ”